Thai defence ministry speaks out on Preah Vihear dispute

A minor furore erupted when a spokesman for the Thai defence ministry spoke out on the ongoing dispute about management of the Preah Vihear temple, which resides on Cambodian soil but is only accessible through the Thai side of the border.

The World Court has judged the ancient ruins as being part of Cambodia. However, the two countries have not come to a demarcation agreement on some immediate border areas around the sanctuary.

Lt-Gen Pichasanu said the World Heritage listing could lead to the disputed areas being annexed by Cambodia which, he said, has tried to rally international support for the sanctuary to be
given Heritage status.

The editorial on the Nation speaks out against the Defence ministry’s comment.